A Conversation With Christina Dauer, MPH, RDN, LD/N, CDE

Why primary care: Primary care is an integral part of the health of our local community. It is often the first point of contact with healthcare for community members. Primary care providers must possess a wide breadth of medical knowledge and are responsible for coordinating patient care among specialists. They see many patients throughout the life span, healthy and with chronic conditions, that can greatly benefit from nutrition counseling. I feel like I can make a greater difference working as the first point of contact for a wide variety of patients.

Why I love Avance Care: Avance Care is an innovative organization that cares deeply about patient care and quality of patient experience from the second a patient walks in the building to when they walk out from their visit. They are holistic and integrative in their approach — bringing together primary care providers, behavioral wellness, pharmacy, nutrition, and allergy to treat the entire person. Not only do they provide high-quality care for patients, but they actively encourage professional growth for staff and provide a great deal of support to enable us to provide the best care to our patients.

If I wasn’t a dietitian I would be: I’d be an archaeologist (it’s totally like Indiana Jones, right?)

My favorite part of nutrition is: Nutritious food has immense healing potential—and fast, too. You can see positive changes in the body within 24 hours of making dietary adjustments. These changes don’t have to happen all at once — every small step helps; progress, not perfection! And it’s not all about weight loss either — we hear from patients that eating healthier has helped them feel more energetic, sleep better, take less medications, and have a healthier relationship with food. And it’s rewarding to help make eating healthier delicious and enjoyable.

If someone wanted to start a conversation with me they should ask me about: My dogs, gardening, craft cocktails, music, restaurants, or the Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV show. 😊

How I connect to patients: I connect by remaining perpetually curious — about their lives, what’s important to them, what’s driving habits and behaviors, and what they hope for their future.

The one piece of nutrition advice I tell my patients but have a difficult time incorporating into my own life: Drinking enough water! I aspire to someday be appropriately hydrated.

If I have a three-day weekend, I can be found: Hiking or in my garden.

The four people I would invite to my ultimate dinner party: Tina Fey, Nina Simone, Mulder and Scully from the X-Files (you didn’t say they had to be real people!)